Hundreds attend March for Men event in Melbourne

Protesters converge on Melb far-right speaking event2:46

July 20, 2018.(EDS NOTE: LANGUAGE WARNING) Over 100 anti-fascist protesters block a highway outside far-right Canadian provocateurs Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux's speaking event in Somerton in Melbourne's north. Police deployed capsicum spray and mounted units to bring the crowd under control as they surrounded a bus carrying attendees to the venue. Right-wing activist Neil Erikson also antagonises the crowd before being removed by police in several confrontations with attendees. A heavy police presence including air, mounted and public order response officers eventually forced protesters off the highway cornering them against a fence. Protesters eventually left peacefully as police blocked the entrance to the venue. Inside, Ms Southern's speech was interrupted by protesters with banners and chanting "racism off our streets", according to the Whistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance group. The young provocateur is known for her controversial views on multiculturalism, Islam and feminism and was banned in March from entering the UK. (AAP VIDEO/Andrew Leeson)

July 20th 2018

6 months ago

/display/newscorpaustralia.com/Web/NewsNetwork/Network News/National/

Sydney Watson, the anti-feminist activist.Source:Facebook

SYDNEY Watson regularly preaches to her thousands of social media followers about how Australia is “demonising” men.

Two people have been arrested at a March for Men rally in Melbourne after scuffles broke out between protesting groups. The rally was organised by a political commentator to combat what she describes as an “assault on men.” #7Newspic.twitter.com/Y2GZZyNt20

In a video announcing the march, Ms Watson said the march was not going to be about “vilifying each other”.

“As many of you know over the last number of weeks, it’s felt like there has been an assault on men collectively. I want Australians to rally together for masculinity for men’s rights and just to demonstrate that we know that men matter too.

“The purpose of this rally is not to hate on women, diminish women’s rights or make any negative statements about women

“What we’re trying to do is show that we care about the men in our lives and the issues that affect them

“This is about men and women standing shoulder to shoulder to show that we’re here for each other,” she said.

Ms Watson regularly discusses feminism and masculinity on social media.

Sometimes I wish I was born in the 70s or 80s.

Sure, life was probably harder, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about offending someone and being fined or jailed.

Via Facebook, the counter-protest’s organisers the National Union of Students Women’s Department and the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, encouraged people to attend to “publicly maintain a counter-narrative”.